March 10, 2004

At first glance, the similarities between Chinese and Western Chess are obvious:
There are 64 squares, but Chinese chess is played on the lines between them.
The broad line in the center symbolises the yellow river.
Like in Western chess, there are 16 pieces with different rank and capabilities.
Instead of a king, there’s a “general”. The “general” can not only be captured like in normal chess, but actually taken (like in some fast chess variations).
This game is very popular. Here you can see an unused board, the two players on the left actually play on the next board.